Employment Termination in the Czech Republic: A Complete Guide

Ways Employment Can End

Czech law recognises several ways to end employment: termination by agreement (dohoda), notice given by either side (výpověď), immediate termination for serious cause (okamžité zrušení), and termination during a probationary period. Each has different requirements and consequences.

Notice Periods and Grounds

An employer can only give notice for specific statutory reasons (e.g. redundancy, health incapacity, repeated breaches of duty) — not at will. The standard notice period is at least two months unless a longer one was agreed, running from the first day of the following month.

Severance Pay

When termination is for organisational reasons (e.g. redundancy) or certain health reasons, the employee is generally entitled to statutory severance pay, calculated based on length of service. The exact amount and eligibility depend on the specific ground for termination.

Common Mistakes

• •Signing a termination agreement without checking what it gives up compared to a notice-based termination.
• •Assuming any single missed payroll issue justifies immediate termination.
• •Missing the short statutory deadline to challenge an invalid termination in court.
• •Not confirming in writing when notice actually started running.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Get advice before signing anything if you're offered a termination agreement, if you receive an immediate termination notice, or if you believe the stated reason for your dismissal isn't the real one — the short deadlines involved mean waiting can cost you the right to challenge it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be fired without any reason?

No — an employer must rely on one of the statutory grounds for notice, and must state it in writing. Termination without a valid stated ground can be challenged.

How much notice am I entitled to?

At least two months as a statutory minimum, unless your contract specifies a longer period. It generally starts on the first day of the month after you receive the notice.

Am I entitled to severance pay?

Generally yes, if the termination is for organisational or certain health reasons — the amount depends on your length of service. It's not automatic for every type of termination.

Does LawBridge represent me in a dismissal case?

No. LawBridge is a marketplace that matches you with an independent employment lawyer — it does not itself provide legal advice or representation.